Highway 407 ETR hiking rates for 2026 and here's what it'll cost Ontario drivers

Motorists will have to shell out more to use the 407 ETR toll highway in Ontario starting in the new year.

The 407 ETR — a popular alternative to the gridlocked Highway 401 — has dropped its 2026 toll rate and fees schedule, revealing an increase in costs that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Per-kilometre fees for light vehicles currently range between roughly 50 cents and one dollar across the 407 ETR's 12 zones through Dec. 31, 2025. These rates peak during morning and afternoon rush hour when the highway is at its busiest.

While the 407 ETR's operators claim that "zones with lighter traffic will remain unchanged during rush hour," some motorists using the central stretches of the highway at peak periods can expect to fork over more dough for the privilege of dodging bumper-to-bumper 401 traffic.

According to the toll route's operators, "a few central sections nearing congestion in the afternoon will see increases of up to 34 cents per kilometre for light vehicles," adding that the increased fees will add up to a bump of $5 per month for the average road user equipped with a 407 transponder.

Per kilometre rates for Highay 407 ETR as of Jan. 1, 2026. CNW Group/407 ETR Concession Company Limited.

With an average of three million drivers using the 407 ETR each week, that bump in rates could translate to huge revenue for the toll highway's operators.

Jose Espinosa, President and CEO of 407 ETR, argues that "Strategic rate adjustments help us manage demand in busier zones," while noting that, "at the same time, we're proud to offer innovative solutions with promotions to attract more drivers onto Highway 407 ETR in sections and times of the day where we have capacity."

The 407 ETR justifies the costs by pointing to data from analytics firm INRIX, showing the average Toronto driver spent 61 hours stuck in traffic in 2024, as well as a corresponding study by the 407 ETR that found users of the toll highway spend much less time stuck behind the wheel.

Operators defend the price increases, with  Shakir Hussein, Director of Traffic & Planning at 407 ETR, arguing that "Our average peak tolls are lower than toll roads in other densely populated North American cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago – despite facing similar traffic challenges."